The Providence High School Marching Band at Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. Up to 100,000 people gathered along South Tryon Street on Thursday morning to celebrate the "official" start of the Christmas season. Diedra Lairddlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The Providence High School Marching Band at Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. Up to 100,000 people gathered along South Tryon Street on Thursday morning to celebrate the "official" start of the Christmas season. Diedra Lairddlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Arrive by 7 a.m. to claim a prime sidewalk spectator spot on Tryon Street; no seating for the handicapped has been designated along the parade route.

Bus service for routes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 22, 26 and 34 will detour from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m on Thursday because Tryon Street will be closed. Charlotte Area Transit System riders can board buses at Charlotte Transportation Center or at stops along detour routes.

Turkey day races

Turkey Trot races are scheduled on Thursday in University City, SouthPark and the Blakeney area. Traffic should be cleared before your guests arrive for dinner.

▪ Turkey Dash Charlotte’s 4-mile run will begin at 9 a.m. at the Village at Robinson Farms and continue along Rea Road toward Blakeney Shopping Center to Ardrey Kell Road, Blakeney Heath Road and Parks Farm Lane. A 1-mile run starts at 8:30 a.m.

▪ University City Turkey Trot 5K-race starts at 8 a.m. from the Fresh Market store at 3024 Prosperity Church Road. The course will follow Prosperity Church Road to Benfield Road and then back to the Fresh Market.

City Transit

Charlotte Area Transit System buses, the LYNX Blue Line and the CityLYNX streetcars will operate on a Sunday schedule for Thanksgiving Day. Express service will be suspended. Routes 590-Northlake and 591-Archdale will run on a regular schedule.

On Friday, city buses, the LYNX Blue Line and CityLYNX streetcars will operate on a Saturday schedule. No express service will be available.

The CATS Pass Sales Offices at the Charlotte Transportation Center and CATS Call Center will be closed on Saturday.